AWS Class E8018-B2 Welding Electrode

E8018-B2 Welding Electrode Supplier in Mumbai, India

Nicorex Alloys is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified supplier of low-hydrogen Cr-Mo welding consumables based in Mumbai, India. E8018-B2 is the industry-standard low-hydrogen iron powder electrode for welding 1.25% chromium – 0.5% molybdenum creep-resistant steels.

It is a key component of power plant boilers, superheater tube banks, and refinery reactor vessels running at sustained temperatures up to 550°C (1022°F). The weld deposit contains nominally 1.00-1.50% Cr and 0.40-0.65% Mo, matching base metals such as ASTM A335 Gr. P11, A387 Gr. 11, A217 WC6, and A182 F11. After stress relief at 690°C for 1 hour, the minimum tensile strength reaches 550 MPa (80 ksi), the yield strength is 460 MPa (67 ksi), and the elongation 19%. UNS designation is W52018. Available in 2.5, 3.2, 4.0, and 5.0 mm diameters; polarity is DCEP (preferred) or AC. We carry batch-tested stock of E8018-B2 welding electrodes classified under AWS A5.5 / ASME SFA 5.5, with EN 10204/3.1B mill test certificates and all-weld-metal test reports on every lot.

What separates E8018-B2 from standard carbon steel is creep resistance. The 1.25% Cr resists oxidation and scaling; the 0.5% Mo retards creep deformation under sustained load. The weld deposit is air-hardenable and requires both preheat and PWHT for most production applications. Industries include power generation, boiler welding, oil refinery reactor vessel fabrication, chemical process piping, and maintenance of Cr-Mo castings and forgings. The H4R variant offers ≤4 ml/100g diffusible hydrogen with a moisture-resistant coating.

E8018-B2 Welding Rod Technical Specifications

Key technical details and performance parameters for E8018-B2 low-hydrogen chromium-molybdenum welding electrodes used on high-temperature creep-resistant steels.

AWS Classification	E8018-B2 / E8018-B2 H4R
UNS Designation	W52018
Governing Specification	AWS A5.5 / ASME SFA 5.5
Welding Process	SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
Coating Type	Basic low-hydrogen, iron powder
Polarity / Current	DCEP (preferred), AC
Welding Positions	All positions (except vertical-down); 5.0 mm flat/horizontal only
Diameters Available	2.5, 3.2, 4.0, 5.0 mm (3/32″, 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″)
Diffusible Hydrogen	H4R: ≤4 ml/100g; Standard: ≤5 ml/100g
Metal Recovery	~115% (iron powder enriched)
Base Metal Service Temp	Up to 550°C (1022°F) continuous

AWS A5.5 E8018-B2 Classification Explained

The designation E8018-B2 breaks down as follows per AWS A5.5:

Character(s)	Meaning
E	Electrode — covered/coated consumable for SMAW
80	Minimum tensile strength: 80 ksi (550 MPa) after PWHT
1	All-position welding capability
8	Low-hydrogen potassium coating with iron powder; AC or DCEP
B2	1.25% Cr – 0.5% Mo weld deposit. The B-family covers: B1 (0.5Cr-0.5Mo), B2 (1.25Cr-0.5Mo), B3 (2.25Cr-1Mo), B6 (5Cr-0.5Mo), B9 (9Cr-1Mo-V)

The optional suffix H4R means diffusible hydrogen ≤4 ml/100g with a moisture-resistant coating. The low-carbon variant E8018-B2L (C ≤0.05%) gives higher ductility but reduced creep strength; standard B2 (C 0.05-0.12%) is preferred for service above 450°C.

E8018-B2 Weld Deposit Chemical Composition

Chemical composition of E8018-B2 all-weld metal per AWS A5.5, determined from undiluted weld pad deposit testing results.

Element	Carbon (C)	Chromium (Cr)	Molybdenum (Mo)	Manganese (Mn)	Silicon (Si)	Phosphorus (P)	Sulfur (S)
AWS A5.5 Requirement (%)	0.05 – 0.12	1.00 – 1.50	0.40 – 0.65	0.90 max	0.80 max	0.03 max	0.03 max
Typical Deposit (%)	0.07-0.08	1.10-1.34	0.50-0.60	0.65-0.80	0.35-0.55	≤0.015	≤0.020

Single values in the AWS column are maximums. Actual production weld composition varies with dilution and heat input. For long-term power plant service, trace element control (P ≤0.010%, Bruscato ≤15 ppm) is critical to resist temper embrittlement.

E8018-B2 All-Weld-Metal Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties of E8018-B2 all-weld metal after 1-hour stress relief at 690°C, in accordance with AWS A5.5 requirements.

Property	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength (0.2%)	Elongation (4d)	Charpy V-Notch (+20°C)	Charpy V-Notch (−40°C)
AWS A5.5 Minimum	≥550 MPa (80 ksi)	≥460 MPa (67 ksi)	≥19%	Not specified	Not specified
Typical (SR 1 hr @ 690°C)	605-685 MPa (88-99 ksi)	520-585 MPa (75-85 ksi)	21-28%	120-190 J typical	~50 J typical

The weld deposit is air-hardenable; it transforms to bainite/martensite during cooling, which is why preheat and PWHT are mandatory. PWHT converts this to tempered bainite with acceptable toughness. Properties meet or exceed ASTM A387 Gr. 11 Class 2 base metal requirements.

Base Metal Compatibility and P-Number Matrix

E8018-B2 is the primary filler metal for P-4 to P-4 similar joints and P-4 to P-1 dissimilar joints.

Base Metal Grade	ASTM Spec	P-No.	Joint Type
A335 Gr. P11 (pipe)	A335	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A387 Gr. 11 (plate)	A387	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A182 F11 (forgings)	A182	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A217 WC6 (castings)	A217	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A213 T11 (tubes)	A213	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A335 Gr. P12 (pipe)	A335	P-4 Grp 1	Similar
A106 Gr. B (CS pipe)	A106	P-1 Grp 1	Dissimilar
A516 Gr. 70 (CS plate)	A516	P-1 Grp 2	Dissimilar

For P-4 to P-5A joints (P11 to P22): use E9018-B3, not E8018-B2; B2 is under-alloyed for P22 service. ASME Section IX F-Number F-4, A-Number A-3.

Recommended Welding Parameters for E8018-B2

The following table outlines the recommended welding parameters for ECoCr-E electrodes supplied by Nicorex Alloys.

Diameter	Current DCEP (A)	Current AC (A)
2.5 mm (3/32″)	60 – 110	65 – 120
3.2 mm (1/8″)	85 – 160	90 – 170
4.0 mm (5/32″)	110 – 210	115 – 220
5.0 mm (3/16″)	180 – 260	Flat/Horiz only

Preheat: 200-250°C for P11; 150-200°C for P11-to-carbon steel dissimilar joints.

Interpass max: 315°C.

PWHT: 660-700°C for a minimum of ½ hour; cool in furnace to 300°C, then still air.

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Industrial Welding Applications of E8018-B2 Electrodes

E8018-B2 serves 4 industry sectors where 1.25Cr-0.5Mo creep-resistant steels operate at sustained temperatures up to 550°C.

Power Generation: E8018-B2 is used for welding A213 T11 boiler tubes, headers, superheater tubes, and A335 P11 steam piping in critical joints such as tube-to-tube, tube-to-header, waterwall panels, and circumferential seams on main steam lines.
Oil Refining and Petrochemical: It welds A387 Gr. 11 Cr-Mo reactor vessels, reformer and hydrotreater piping, and exchanger shells where hydrogen and 400–550°C demand strict Bruscato control to avoid temper embrittlement.
Chemical Processing: It joins 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steam and process lines and P11-to-carbon steel dissimilar joints while preserving high-temperature strength.
Fabrication and Maintenance: It repairs A217 WC6 castings, A182 F11 forgings, and field power-plant components using ER80S-B2 for GTAW roots and E8018-B2 for SMAW fill and cap.

Storage, Handling and Re-Baking Procedure for E8018-B2

Sealed cans: Store in a dry area, ≥10°C above the dew point.

After opening: Transfer to holding oven at 110-175°C (220-350°F).

Re-baking: 370-430°C (700-800°F) for 1 hour. Never exceed 430°C. Maximum 3 re-baking cycles; beyond this, coating alloys degrade. Wet electrodes: discard.

How to Order E8018-B2 Electrode from Nicorex Alloys

To order E8018-B2 Electrode, follow these 7 important details:

AWS Classification - E8018-B2 or E8018-B2 H4R
Diameter(s) - Diameter(s)
Quantity - Quantity in kg
Packaging - Hermetically sealed cans or VacPac
Third-Party Approvals - DNV, ABS, BV, Lloyds, TUV
Test Certificate - Test certificate
Delivery Destination - Delivery destination

Matching sets available: E8018-B2 (SMAW) + ER80S-B2 (GTAW/GMAW) for complete procedure coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of E8018-B2 Welding Electrodes per Kg in India?

E8018-B2 pricing depends on diameter, order volume, and required approvals. Contact Nicorex Alloys for current pricing with competitive bulk rates on project orders of 100 kg+.

What is the difference between E8018-B2 and E8018-B2L?

E8018-B2 has 0.05–0.12% carbon, giving better creep strength for use above 450°C. E8018-B2L has max 0.05% carbon, giving higher ductility but lower creep strength. Standard B2 is preferred for boiler and piping service at high temperatures.

Can E8018-B2 be used to weld P22 (2.25Cr-1Mo) Steel?

No. E8018-B2 deposits only 1.25% Cr / 0.5% Mo; under-alloyed for P22 service, which requires 2.25% Cr / 1.0% Mo to match the base metal’s oxidation and creep properties. Use E9018-B3 for P22 welding.

Does Nicorex Alloys supply E8018-B2 with DNV or ABS Approval?

Yes. We supply E8018-B2 electrodes with approvals from DNV, ABS, Bureau Veritas, Lloyds Register, and TUV. Specify your required approval when sending the RFQ.

What is the matching TIG and MIG Filler Wire for E8018-B2?

ER80S-B2 (AWS A5.28) is the matching GTAW/GMAW filler wire for 1.25Cr-0.5Mo steels. Use ER80S-B2 for root passes and E8018-B2 for fill/cap.